2002 Caterham Superlight R vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Caterham Superlight R. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Caterham Superlight R would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (222 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. (190 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1190 kg more than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. (203 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Caterham Superlight R.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Caterham Superlight R | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Superlight R | C |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 244 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2720 mm |
